Badin vs. Coldwater
Zoo mommies and babies
2009 China Fashion Week
The case of expensive BMW oil
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Wheels: Pete of Dayton writes, "My son, who lives in St. Louis, asked me if he needed to use the specified and very expensive oil in his used BMW. I didn't know, so I am asking you. He said that an oil change was quoted at more than $100. Is this true about having to use special oil?"
Halderman: Yes, it is true that BMWs, as well as several other European-made vehicles, do use expensive oil. The European standards for oil are not the same as in the United States. Many of the European-specified oils are also designed to provide engine protection for extended time and mileage. For example, the BMW specification for long-life (LL) oil is designed to be used for one year or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first. As a result, the overall yearly cost is about the same.
Wheels: Could an owner of an European vehicle use cheaper oil to save money?
Halderman: I do not recommend using any oil that does not meet the vehicle manufacturer's specification. Also, the specified oil usually has a very broad viscosity range, such as SAE 5W-40 or SAE 10W-50. Finding this viscosity could be a challenge.
Wheels:
Halderman: BMW lists several long-life oil specifications, including LL-98 (long-life 1998), LL-01 (long-life 2001), and LL-04 (long-life 2004). Therefore, the exact specified oil needs to be determined by checking the owner's manual.
Wheels: Bob S. writes, "I have a 2005 Chrysler Town & Country minivan, Touring model with 30,000 miles. Last summer I noticed a mildew type of odor when either the defroster or A/C is on. I don't want the same problem this spring. Would you be able to tell me what is causing this?"
Halderman: It is most likely mildew, as you thought, and is caused by the growth of spores in a damp area around the air conditioning evaporator. A professional technician can treat the area using a biocide as there are specific products and procedures that need to be performed to solve the problem. One of the fixes is to install a relay that causes the fan motor to run for a few minutes to dry the area after the engine is turned off.
James D. Halderman is an ASE-certified master technician, a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers and the author of 12 textbooks. Submit your automotive care questions to Halderman via e-mail at jhalderman2@juno.com, or write him in care of: Wheels, Marketing Publications Department, Dayton Daily News, 1611 S. Main St., Dayton OH 45409.
